Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Budget Cut

I was inspired to post this for two reasons today:

1. Red Gate Gardens amazing post about her favorite summer "Day Trip." Please be sure to check out her Day Trip photos and the photos over at Beehouse Hives of Glacier National Park! I've love to see Glacier some day..

2. My favorite summer day trip is on the chopping block of budget cuts for Pennsylvania.

Welcome to Clear Creek State Park in Jefferson County PA - along the Clarion river.

My parents have been coming to Clear Creek since they were dating in high school. We've been camping and day tripping there ever since!

Foot bridge crossing over Clear Creek on the way to the Clarion river.

The park was created in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corp though the nationwide work of President Roosevelt. You can still rent the log cabins today for camping. There are also tent sites available along the river and a (cold) lake and beach for swimming. Clear Creek is on the National Resister of Historic Places in PA as well.

Rental log cabins at Clear Creek.

Hiking the deep, dark, moss covered trails in the fall.

This is a view of my journal on the table in one of the cabins last fall. It is a wonderful place to visit and camp. Clear Creek is close to my heart and a huge source of nature inspiration. It pains to me to think that it is one of 35 state parks listed for potential closure with Gov. Rendell's budget cuts. We've written letters and signed petitions. Crossing my fingers that this little gem will be spared.

I would go there all the time. We don't have any camping spots close to town that are that nice, but you can drive an hour or so and get up to the lakes and mountains. I hate seeing all of these great family vacation spots getting closed down because of cuts1

Oh, I hope it makes it. It looks so quaint. I love the footbridge, and the cottages look cozy. Your journal looks lovely...wish I could be in a park right now, relaxing in the shade. Your photo w/the sun streaming through the trees is beautiful!

The first trip Birch and I ever made together was to Pennsylvania. I fell in love with the clear water and the peace in the woods. I empathize with your feelings about the threat of losing not just a peaceful place in your life, but a family tradition.